Can a Dubai Landlord Refuse to Issue Ejari to Force a Rent Increase? What UAE Tenancy Law Says About Your Rights

A landlord cannot withhold Ejari registration to pressure a tenant into accepting a higher rent. Dubai's tenancy laws set out clear rules on contract renewal, rent increases and the remedies available to tenants when landlords fail to comply.

Dubai's tenancy laws provide clear safeguards to prevent landlords from using Ejari registration as leverage to force tenants into accepting higher rents. While disputes over rent increases are common at the time of renewal, landlords are required to follow specific legal procedures before demanding a higher rental amount. Refusing to renew an Ejari registration or withholding the tenancy contract solely to pressure a tenant into agreeing to an increase is not a lawful means of enforcing a rent revision.

Ejari is an essential part of the tenancy framework in Dubai. The registered tenancy contract is required for a wide range of services and official transactions, including utility connections, visa-related procedures and various government services. Without a valid Ejari registration, tenants may find themselves unable to fully enjoy or make lawful use of the property despite continuing to occupy it.

Under Dubai's tenancy legislation, a tenant whose landlord refuses to renew the tenancy contract or issue the Ejari registration may seek relief before the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC). The tenant can request the renewal of the tenancy agreement at the existing rental amount if the landlord has not complied with the legal requirements governing rent increases. The tenant may also seek compensation for any losses suffered because of the landlord's refusal to complete the renewal process, provided there is sufficient evidence demonstrating the actual damage or financial loss caused by the inability to fully benefit from the property.

Dubai law places specific obligations on landlords regarding the condition and use of leased premises. Article 15 of Law No. (33) of 2008, which amended certain provisions of Law No. (26) of 2007 regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, requires a landlord to hand over and maintain the property in a condition that enables the tenant to obtain the benefit contemplated under the tenancy agreement. In practical terms, this extends beyond the physical condition of the property. A valid Ejari registration is an integral part of enabling the tenant to lawfully and effectively enjoy the leased premises because many public and private services require proof of a registered tenancy contract.

The law also imposes strict conditions before any rent increase can take effect. A landlord cannot simply demand a higher rent at the time of renewal. Under Article 14 of Law No. (33) of 2008, the landlord must notify the tenant of any proposed rent increase at least 90 days before the expiry of the tenancy contract, unless both parties have agreed to a different notice period. If this notice requirement is not met, the landlord cannot legally impose the increase during that renewal cycle.

Even where the required notice has been given, any increase must comply with the rental increase framework prescribed by the Dubai Land Department. Landlords are not free to set rental increases at their discretion, as the permissible increase is determined by the applicable rental index and the legal limits in force.

Where a landlord initiates proceedings before the Rental Disputes Centre seeking a rent increase without satisfying the statutory notice requirements or the applicable rent increase criteria, tenants have the right to defend their position and seek renewal of the tenancy on the existing terms. If the landlord's refusal to register the Ejari has prevented the tenant from accessing services or otherwise caused measurable losses, the tenant may also pursue a claim for compensation, supported by appropriate documentary evidence.

Dubai's tenancy framework is designed to balance the rights of landlords and tenants. While landlords are entitled to seek lawful rent revisions where the legal conditions are met, they cannot bypass the statutory process by withholding Ejari registration or refusing to renew the tenancy agreement. The law provides tenants with legal remedies to ensure continued occupation of the property and protection against arbitrary rent demands.

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels.